Winning Run to continue in 2025 Pakenham Cup
Black Run entered the spring without an Australian win on his résumé, but that has changed in a hurry, with three straight victories convincing trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald to give the gelding his chance in higher company.
The son of Nathaniel is one of 22 nominations for Saturday’s $300,000 Pakenham Cup, a notable rise after his recent run of success.
His streak includes two impressive Caulfield wins over 2400m and a solid benchmark 78 triumph over 2000m at Randwick earlier in the month. Annabel Archibald said the gelding’s consistency made the Listed 2500m test a worthy target.
“I’m not sure what else is going there, so he might be a little bit out of the handicap, but I think 2500 will be ideal and he’s a very genuine horse,” she said.
“Ryan Houston will stick with him. He’s been riding out of his skin and seems to have a nice affinity with this horse.”
Houston, unable to use his apprentice claim in the Cup, has partnered Black Run in both of his Caulfield successes, while Tom Marquand steered him home at Randwick.
Marquand also guided the gelding to his maiden victory at Goodwood in October 2023, a run that preceded his only stakes start—the Group 3 Prix Noailles (2100m) at Longchamp.
Black Run finished sixth that day behind Calandagan, who has since captured the Japan Cup and become the world’s leading staying horse.
The Archibalds also have Firm Agreement and Naval College nominated for the Cup.
Firm Agreement is a possible back-up runner from the Ballarat Cup, while Naval College is dual-nominated for the Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick.
Smokin’ Romans is expected to top the Pakenham Cup weights, with Zipping Classic placegetters Etna Rosso and Alenquer, as well as South Australian Derby runner-up Statuario, adding depth to the field.
The meeting also features the $1m The Supernova, drawing 14 runners including Group 1 winners Private Eye, Here To Shock and Pinstriped.
To compare Pakenham Cup and Supernova odds, punters can visit Australia’s top betting sites.
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